Al-Jazeera Increases Media Presence in Ligue 1

Hi everyone,
Al-Jazeera is very serious about football and has landed another domestic Ligue 1 media rights package. After acquiring the Champions League TV rights for the french market AND the Ligue 1 TV rights, the Qatar-based broadcaster had secured rights for an additional six live Ligue 1 games per round on pay-per-view, together with a weekly football magazine-style programme.

The New Generation of African Footballers Powered by Nike

Hi guys,
Apologies for the lack of articles about the African Cup of Nations 2012. Being in New York is fantastic., but unfortunately keeps me too much away from blogging. This tournament gets a strong scrutiny from football brands and Nike have a very specific positioning. Take a look.

Nasser al-Khelafi, a Man with a Vision

Hi all,
When QSI (Qatar Sports Investments) bought a 70 per cent ownership stake in French football club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) earlier this year, La Parisienne newspaper ran an article introducing the new man at the helm under the headline: ‘Le mysterieux Nasser al-Khelaifi.’

Puma Inks a Deal with Palermo

Hi everyone,
Puma has enhanced its ties with Italian football by agreeing a “long-term” kit deal with Serie A club Palermo. Commencing from the 2012-13 season, the German sportswear giant will supply kit to all of Palermo’s teams, along with acquiring the master licence to the club’s brand.

USA Today Acquires Fantasy Sports Venture and Big Lead Sports

Hi everyone,
The USA TODAY Sports Media Group have announced today that it has completed its takeover of Fantasy Sports Ventures (FSV) and Big Lead Sports, the largest independent digital sports property in North America.

Messi Ballon d’Or adizero MiCoach Golden Shoe: Trust and Confidence

Hi guys,
What I enjoy in sports marketing is the ability to plan and anticipate. Messi won the “Ballon d’Or” and adidas celebrated the 3 consecutive times “Ballon d’Or” with a golden adizero MiCoach to mark the occasion. What is the adizero MiCoach? A football boot with a brain, remember?

2012-2013 Potential Liverpool Kits

Hi guys,
So the buzz these days is around Liverpool split up with adidas and their new “wedding” with Warrior Sports. So, supposedly these are the 2012-2013 Liverpool kits. No confirmation so far but these pictures are all other “the Reds” forums. Take a look…

Warrior Sports Partners with Liverpool: A New Kid on the Block?

Hi everyone,
Recently, adidas decided not to extend their partnership with Liverpool. Warrior Sports Inc. and Liverpool Football Club have officially announced a six-year agreement which sees Warrior become the Club’s Official Kit Supplier in a deal considered to be the biggest in Premier League history.

Liverpool and adidas Split-up

Hi everyone,
Adidas have decided not to renew the sponsorship deal with Liverpool FC. Adidas CEO Herbert Hainer believed the price the 3-stripes had to pay did not meet the value of the team citing their poor performances on the pitch.

Nicolas Anelka Promotes Chinese Online Game

Hi everyone,
A Chinese Internet company has said it is paying French football player Nicolas Anelka 2.7 million euros to endorse a new online game, as the striker gears up for his first season in China.

Under Armour Partners with Michael Dawson

Hi everyone,
I often point out Under Armour’s effort to tap into football, and another example adds to the list. Under Armour announced a multiyear partnership with England international and Tottenham Hotspur Football Club First-Team defender Michael Dawson.

Game, Set, Fans: 10 Sports Marketing Trends for 2012

Dear all,
Last year, Tomas Janca published the 10 Sports Marketing Trends for 2011. For 2012, Tomas provides again the industry with a very solid Sports Marketing piece where he gives his expertise as a sports marketer and also provide with best practices from diverse sources, including the Football Lounge. Thanks Tomas for the great work!